 "Photo: Katie Kirkland/ The Gamecock")
Forgive Blake Mitchell if he lines up under left guard Thursday night or misses his timing on an out-route here or there. The sophomore will be making his first start as a collegiate quarterback, under a legendary, pass-happy coach, no less.
Steve Spurrier named Mitchell the Gamecocks' starter weeks ago, and since then, the spotlight has been firmly planted on the LeGrange, Ga., native. No pressure, right? Not if attempting to recreate Spurrier's highly touted fun 'n' gun offense of the 1990s and trying to win nine or 10 games is pressure.
"I may be a little nervous at first," Mitchell said. "But once I get out there and get into the game, I'll be fine."
Mitchell has worked all preseason to prove to his teammates he'll be fine come time to take the field against UCF. While attempting to develop as a leader, Mitchell has, at the same time, struggled to perform well in several preseason scrimmages. The 6-foot-3-inch, 194-pounder's resume is not as polished as it could be - 9-of-22 passing in 2004 for 86 yards - and against Kentucky, Mitchell threw as many completions - two - as interceptions.
The poor showing in 2004, though, hasn't stopped the lanky signal caller from garnering the support of his teammates.
"Just being mentally focused right now I think is a big thing for Blake," last year's quarterback-turned-wide receiver Syvelle Newton said. "He had a lot of pressure on him being named starter. Now it's time, and the team's depending on him to lead the team where they need to be."
Recruited by former Gamecock coach Lou Holtz, known primarily for his conservative offensive style, Mitchell has had to adjust to quite a change in styles under air-it-out coach Steve Spurrier.
"It's been great (learning under Spurrier)," Mitchell said. "I've learned a lot. He knows and teaches good quarterback techniques."
Asked about any advice the former Heisman Trophy winner had given him before his first start, Mitchell said Spurrier simply told him to know his plays and "where everybody's going to be" on the field.
Knowing where everyone is has been easier said than done for Mitchell thus far. While trying to become situated in his role as starter, Mitchell has been erratic while splitting time with redshirt sophomore Antonio Heffner and freshman Cade Thompson during practice and scrimmages.
As a result, Spurrier hasn't given Mitchell quite the resounding endorsement he would like. Instead, the coach has highlighted the Thompson's merits while saying Heffner would likely see playing time as early as the first quarter Thursday - not exactly information that will allow Mitchell to get cozy in the starter's role.
"Every now and then Blake can look really good," Spurrier said following practice Friday. "So can Cade (Thompson). Antonio (Heffner) threw some pretty balls today. Then, every now and then they don't look so good. We got to find that consistency level."
Three inexperienced quarterbacks aren't exactly the model of consistency Spurrier is searching for, but he's hopeful Mitchell will get to that point.
"I think Blake's ready to play well," he said.
Part of Mitchell's troubles this preseason stem from an inconsistent line. Seniors Jabari Levey and Na'Shan Goddard have anchored the tackle position, but the interior of the line has given Spurrier nightmares.
Starting right guard Freddy Saint-Preux will miss Thursday's contest as one of four players suspended for the opener following last year's season-ending brawl at Clemson.
While Goddard and Levey will try to make the best out of minimal support, they want their quarterback to know he has their support.
"I feel real comfortable with Blake," Levey said. "I know he's real smart, he's a real smart quarterback and he's going to put us in the best position."
A strong showing Thursday night could put Mitchell in a higher comfort zone next week - he and his new ball coach.
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